Beyond the Challenges: Exploring the Influence of Travel Constraints on Family Travel Dynamics With Young Children

Abstract

Family travel, especially with young children, represents a burgeoning segment in the global tourism industry, offering unparalleled opportunities for familial bonding and personal growth. However, this form of travel presents distinct challenges, predominantly stemming from perceived travel constraints. This study delves into the complex interplay between these constraints and their psychological impacts, specifically focusing on how they foster learned helplessness, shape travel attitudes, and drive travel avoidance and intentions. By examining four dimensions of perceived travel constraints—interpersonal, interactional, intrinsic, and structural—the research highlights the critical role of internal psychological factors, such as emotional stress and interactional dynamics, in intensifying learned helplessness. Furthermore, the study identifies that interactional constraints significantly dampen travel attitudes, while learned helplessness intensifies travel avoidance. Ultimately, the findings underscore the need for strategic interventions to mitigate these barriers, thereby enhancing the inclusivity and enriching potential of family travel experiences.